Inequalities

B. INEQUALITIES

1. Causes of Inequalities

There are several factors that can lead to inequalities in developement

Economic

• Countries with mineral deposits and energy resources were the first to develop
• These countries were able to accumulate wealth through the sales of their resources
• This money is spent on more jobs, improved transport and new technologies being developed

Social

• The more a country develops, the more money it has to spend on...
  • Education
  • Health
  • Better quality housing

Political

• Countries were more likely to develop if...
  • they had a stable government
  • they invested in the economy
  • and if they avoided civil wars

Environmental

• Countries were less likely to develop if...
  • they had frequent natural disasters
  • they had requent outbreaks of desease

2. Consequences of Inequalities

• Inequalities and inbalances in development have led to differences in standards of living and quality of life
• When MEDCs are compared to LEDCs, LEDCs have...
  • Higher birth rates and infant mortality rate
  • Low life expectancy
  • Poorer education, health, diet and unreliable or polluted water
  • More jobs in primary or secondary sectors
    • less in professional posisions

REFER TO NOTES ON DEMOGRAPHIC TRANSITION MODEL FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MEDCs AND LEDCs

Notes by Max Brewer